Israel promises to retaliate against drone and missile attacks

Israeli Air Force intercepted dozens of aerial threats from Iran

Israeli defenses successfully thwarted dozens of unmanned aircraft, cruise missiles, and other aerial threats launched by Iran on Saturday night, according to IDF officials. While only a few missiles managed to breach Israeli airspace, the Nevatim Airbase and a road in the Hermon area sustained damage. Fortunately, operations at the airbase were not disrupted.

In response to the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been urged by U.S. President Joe Biden not to retaliate against Iran. However, Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi has accused Netanyahu of attempting to drag the West into a regional war by provoking Iran. Safadi emphasized the need to de-escalate tensions in the region and shift the focus back to resolving the conflict in Gaza.

Meanwhile, Israeli fighter jets carried out strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, targeting military compounds and terrorist infrastructure. The IDF stated that the strikes were in response to threats posed by Hezbollah in the region.

As Israel contemplates its next steps in the wake of Iran’s attack, the IDF spokesman emphasized the importance of rescuing the 133 hostages held by Hamas. Israel is currently evaluating various options for a response, with considerations including the timing and scale of the retaliation, as well as the impact on ongoing operations in Gaza. The situation remains tense as Israel navigates this critical period.